So anyway, yes before I actually get to the low-down and the 101 of some of the more prominent YSL Skincare Ranges, I should first say that for those out there who are probably wondering…. Yes, YSL actually does carry skincare!

And if your impression of YSL is an edgy fashionable brand that is strong and excels in makeup (which isn’t wrong either) such that it’s skincare would just be something totally skimming the surface of skincare products and nothing much to talk about then you are wrong.

YSL’s skincare ranges are actually quite innovative, well incorporated and have a good amount of skin-science and thought put into it.

Those who have been exposed to and continually using YSL’s skincare products mostly only have good things to say about it. If you don’t believe me, do a quick search around the web and the results don’t lie.

So, if you are indeed fresh and new to the realm of YSL’s Skincare then I hope this 101 will be useful in directing you where to look!

Now I scratched my head a little about organising this post because I wasn’t quite sure where to start and how to arrange the flow of this information since where YSL skincare ranges are concerned, there isn’t an obvious tier to it.

Sure there are some price point tiers but it’s mainly for that one slightly more extravagant and indulgent range, for the rest of the ranges that I’m going to cover at least (because I’m no YSL Skincare expert either, I’ll say that), it’s a lot more dependant on your skin concerns and what you’re looking for or looking to include in your skincare.

With that said, I’m going to warn you about the brick wall of text ahead because, well when it comes to skincare there’s no other way about it than explanations and texts so… if you’re intrigued to find out more about the YSL Skincare ranges I’m going to touch on then grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy the read!

p.s. Pictures in this post are not mine
and are press visuals or editorial
representations of the products, purely for
informative purposes.

Youth Liberator Range –

What it does: Anti-aging, skin regenerationWho it’s for: All skintypes and ages

So… the first range I’m going to talk about is the YSL Forever Youth Liberator range and it may seem odd to jump straight into an anti-aging skincare routine but trust me, anti-aging isn’t just for the aged skin.

That’s a misconception a lot of people have and it’s not wrong because compared to the lighter and more refreshing hydrating routines, anti-aging routines do have an edge of nourishment and more enveloped hydration to the products but for the most part, YSL’s Youth Liberator range is one that’s targeted to all skincares of all age groups.

As long as you feel you’re benefiting from these products then it’s for you.

In fact, if you ask me, the Youth Liberator routine is somewhat like YSL’s all-encompassing skincare routine, aimed at giving you hydration, nourishment, a boost of skin regeneration through anti-aging skincare properties and just general skin well-being so don’t let the term ‘anti-aging’ scare you from this because it’s really all kinds of lovely.

To put in some analogy, the Youth Liberator range is also one of YSL’s most thriving shoot thus far with a solid skincare routine which is a bit like the trunk along with little branches extending in to different, well, extensions of the Youth Liberator range.

I’ll get to those extensions in a bit but in the meanwhile, in case you’re wondering about the science that goes into Youth Liberator, let me just touch on that a little. Because I know that some of you out there do like reading about things like that (as do I).

Inside the Youth Liberator –

The key ingredient behind Youth Liberator’s ability to encourage skin regeneration and stimulate the production of collagen for more suppler and youthful looking skin is Glycanactif™, a YSL patented ingredient. Though if you’re into pet names, you can just call it Glycan.

Glycans, are macro molecules (or poly saccharides, if you prefer that science speak) that help the skin to combat signs of aging. I’m not lab-expert to give you the full details of how that works but it’s got something to do with helping our different layers of the skin communicate better with each other. Like little efficient and lightning fast messengers.

So they’ll tell the skin layers to make the skin more supple by regenerating itself, producing more collagen to smooth out wrinkles and lines as well as boost the elasticity of the skin.

While a seemingly easy task to do, this communication between our skin cells and layers deteriorates over time as our skin ages. Apart from aging, exposure to external factors such as free radicals, sun rays and pollutants also cause this communication to break down over time so what YSL aims to do with Youth Liberator is simply to restore that!

I think that’s quite simply put, yes?

With that, let me move on to talk about the little branch extensions within the Youth Liberator range.

Multi-purpose High Potency Range

Now aside from the main skincare lineup which does a great job of covering all aspects of the skincare routine through varying textures, from the easily absorbed gloopy gel-like serums to the thicker and more nourishing moisturizers, there are a couple more additions to the range that YSL had included for more targeted skin concerns.

The first would be one of my favorites because they’re relatively fuss-free and easy given their multi-purpose high potency.

Let me introduce to you the Essence-in-Lotion as well as the Serum-in-Cream. As their names describe, they’re basically an infusion of potent active ingredients, hydration and all in one step that would usually require 2 products to cover.

The Essence-in-Lotion would be an infusion of Essence (like a lighter dose of serum) in a toner-like Lotion formula. If you ask me, the concept of this is very similar to the Japanese skin softeners but instead of just the skin softening step where you have to follow up with serum after, this contains both the skin softening and prepping for absorption aspect as well as the dose of serum albeit in a lighter form than the actual serum.

The Serum-in-Cream is a little more self-explanatory such that it’s a mix of your serum dosage in a nourishing and creamy balm that perfectly seals in and wraps up your skincare routine. While it seems like the perfect lazy step to end the routine, YSL does prefer to market this as a regenerative process to revisit once in awhile (one tub is supposedly good for 30 days – depending on your usage of course) to really give your skin a bit of a boost and recharge. Almost like a vitamin pill you pop when you’ve had a bit of a rough skin time or if your skin is feeling particularly fatigued after some stressful life occurrences / changes… that sort of a thing.

Youth Liberator Y Shape Range

So yes, that’s the multi-purpose and high-potency products branching out from the YSL Youth Liberator range. Another slightly new (I believe?) addition to the range would be the YSL Youth Liberator Y Shape Range which is more targeted at face shaping to give you that perfect facial contour.

Like a V-shaped face, but Y cause it’s YSL… ha!

I don’t have experience with this range so I can’t speak much of it but this mini range comes full-out with a Y facial applicator, which needless to say comes with a hefty pricetag too no doubt, as well as a Y-Zone Concentrate (which I assume is a serum?) and a Y Shape Cream (a moisturizing cream to seal in the routine).

Makeup + Skincare Product!

Now this one I believe doesn’t need much of a write up because I have already reviewed it over here, but if you’re looking to complete your Youth Liberator skincare experience but including that same skincare science in your makeup routine then look no further than their YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation!

I’ve talked about it in more detail in my review but summing it up, it’s a pretty kick-ass everyday sort of foundation that comes infused with the potent Youth Liberator Serum so you can be sure to nourish and hydrate your skin while beautifying it!

So I know that was insanely lengthy but I think that wraps up the Youth Liberator range, how I know it at least and if I’ve missed anything important out feel free to add on in the comments for others to read and know!

Phew, that said, let’s go on to shed some light on the other more targeted YSL skincare ranges, shall we? Less everyone thinks that the Youth Liberator is all there is to YSL.

Which… isn’t wrong because it’s one of the ‘anchor’ ranges but YSL surely has more products targeting more skin concerns so, let’s have a look!

Light Creator Range –

As opposed to the Youth Liberator range which is a little more nourishing and a tad heavier on the skin (but not as rich as mature skin products), the Light Creator range is a lot lighter in texture and consistency, across the board that is.I believe even the moisturizer comes in a Cream Gel formula instead of an outright cream or balm like Youth Liberator does.

If your skin concerns are more of skin brightening, skintone correcting as well as achieving a more radiant and uniformed complexion, then Light Creator is a range that you should look into. In fact, if you’re up for it you can mix using both the Youth Liberator and Light Creator range – one for the day and one for the night. That’s what I’m doing right now actually but I’ll get to that in my skincare rundown in a bit.

So, you know the drill, skin science, let’s go!

Inside the Light Creator Range –

Containing a tweaked and updated form of Glycanactif (as defined above), the Light Creator range has GlycanactifWT™ complex as its main ingredient.

Apart from the usual skin hydration and regeneration that the usual Glycans are able to do, GlycanactifWT™ provides skin correcting and skin brightening benefits which aims to (over time) improve the uniformity, clarity and also radiance in the skin as well as working on lightening darkspots and improving the skin texture.

In all, it’s a lot more of an aesthetic range (albeit working over a period of time like skincare does) as opposed to solely being a self-sustaining and maintaining routine that the Youth Liberator does.

Though as mentioned, you are able to mix and match across the ranges to see what fits your skin concerns and desires!

As for the products, I think the range is a little bit simpler compared to the Youth Liberator routine. If I’m not wrong there are some key products within such as serums, facial moisturizers, eye cream and such but more of targeted and potent products without things like toners, lotions or cleansers.

If I’m not wrong… Ha, see I’m really not a guru where YSL skincare is concerned too. Just sharing what I think I know, heh!

Light Creator CC Cream –

Though the Light Creator range does thread a little into the makeup realm with a small collection of CC creams which I think is quite appropriate for the whole color correcting and skin tone correcting image of this range.

There are 3 Light Creator CC Cream shades launched – Rose, Lavender and Apricot – depending on what you’re looking for be it a brightening base, a skintone correcting base or simply a skin-tone-like base!

These come infused with the same GlycanactifWT™ complex within that nourishes and hydrates the skin with wear so, like the Youth Liberator Serum Foundation, it is a little nourishing to wear on and feels a little more like skincare than makeup so weartime suffers a little but if you’re all up for a little skincare in your makeup then these are great to look into!

Or Rouge Range –

So… we’ve reached the Or Rouge range, the mother of all mother ranges I would say because the price point is as sexy as how all the products look.

Starting at a whooping few hundred dollars (or the lowest price could be hovering at 80 plus 90, I really can’t recall), it’s a range that not all will take to that’s for sure. At the same time, given the effects and targeted skincare concerns that this range addresses, it’s no wonder as well that the price point is this high because it is predominantly targeted at women who are further along in age (but we’re not talking super old 50 or 60 here, remember choosing to start on a skincare is your comfort, needs and choice more than a specific age barrier) as opposed to those with younger skin and the ability to focus on addressing other skin concerns like brightening and hydration rather than having to go into skin restoration.

The Science & Quality Behind Or Rouge –

Now… where do I start with this because given my knowledge of this range, the price point is considerably warranted if you understand the ingredients and technology that goes into it.

Looking to defy the 11 signs of aging, YSL’s Or Rouge’s key ingredient is the carefully and also very manually extracted pistils of the Saffron flower. This process is both delicate as well as tedious because a large amount of pistils can only result in a few precious drops of Saffron flower extract.

This extract, coupled with other ingredients that YSL has paired it with within the Or Rouge range, aims to aid in skin revitalization which means it addresses the 11 signs of aging that our skin faces – roughness, firmness, dullness, elasticity, wrinkles, fine lines, sagginess, skintone uniformity, pore visibility, dark spots, redness and smile lines.

Essentially that’s covering everything that comes with skin aging.

The Or Rouge range itself is quite complete, that is if you’re looking to dedicate yourself wholly to the Or Rouge range because if you’ve got the moolah to do that then by all means, go ahead!

That’s certainly the best way to yield any sort of results from a skincare range but given the price range… I would suggest stepping into this range one foot at a time, one product at a time.

To take your dedication to the Or Rouge range a little step further, you may also choose to invest in the hefty (in weight, feel and also price) applicator that comes with a smoothened and cool application surface for applying eye creams or dabbing on the Or Rouge moisturizer.

It’s a splurge no doubt, but it would make such a beautiful gift for your mom, a lady in your life you hold dear or perhaps yourself. If you’re feeling a little generous, that is.

I’ve given the skincare products a feel, not so much a try on myself though, and while incredibly luscious in the nourishment and hydration it provides, it really doesn’t feel all that heavy or thick on the skin either.

So if you’re thinking it’s going to be overly thick and rich (rich, yes maybe but not heavy feeling on the skin) then banish those thoughts because Or Rouge packs potency and richness in thinner and balmier formulas that blend on quite nicely.

It will feel a tad thicker than Youth Liberator, or maybe thereabout but it’s not as if you’re putting a blanket of vaseline on your skin, no. The formula is a lot more refined than that.

Top Secrets Range –

What it does: Prepping & Priming the skinWho it’s for: All age groups, depending on makeup concern

Now this last range that I’m about to talk about, I’ll admit, I have very little information on.

At a glance I know exactly what this range is about and what kind of products go into it but if you ask me, I have very little experience with the products within this range. Which I know is a tad peculiar given it’s a makeup prep and prime range and one that’s got skincare elements inside but not entirely focused on the long-haul aspect of skin benefiting either.

Which sounds a lot like something I appreciate because while skincare is something I love loads, doesn’t everyone love a little quick fix to perk up the complexion, or perhaps fix the skin tone, awaken your eyes, things of that sort.

So essentially, that is what the Top Secrets range is all about.

There are some skincare elements and components within the range so it’s not all makeup and aesthetics but the purpose of the products here are largely aimed at providing some sort of immediate (albeit exterior only or temporary) look of healthier / more ideal skin.

The Science of Top Secrets –

Not that there’s a whole lot of science to this range, not overly revolutionary science at least, but I should still talk about some ingredient focus or make-up if I can and while not evident in all products, I’ve noticed that caffeine appears most frequently in the ingredients line up of the products within YSL’s Top Secrets.

It’s no surprise really given caffeine is aimed at de-puffing and providing an immediate skin energizing / fatigue and water rentention draining sort of an effect to the skin.

I think there are quite a number of items in the Top Secrets range and I don’t know of many or all but I have ever tried YSL’s sunscreen (UV Shield, I think it was called) while it was still in this range. Though their sunscreen has since been boosted with added skincare benefits and moisturizing ingredients resulting in it being shifted over to the Light Creator range instead.

So… actually that’s mainly about it!

There is one more range I am aware is available to YSL as well but it’s a range I have zero experience, knowledge and word about and that is the Temps Majeur range. In fact I’m not even fully aware if it is available here in Singapore but based on the US website it sounds like something very similar to the Youth Liberator range such that it’s marketed to most all skintypes and aids in achieving youthful skin.

Of course as I have said through this whole entry, I’m hardly an expert when it comes to YSL’s skincare and I’m finding out as much as I can while doing this up for you guys so if anyone is an expert or willing to share their insights or experience with the YSL skincare range, please feel free to drop me a comment below!

I would certainly love to hear more and find out more! Meanwhile if anyone else has questions about any of the ranges, you may drop me a note too and I’ll answer them as best as I can!

I know it’s been quite a read but I hope it was informative! I’ve been injecting some YSL into my skincare routine for awhile and I’ll share about that in due time! I still want to give the products more use first before forming any opinions but so far it’s been pretty good!

So yes, I’ll check back again with some YSL skincare talk at a later time but meanwhile, thanks for reading!